Genies in West End Aladdin and US tour to swap places

The two actors who play the genie in Disney’s Aladdin in the West End and the US tour are to swap places this summer.

Trevor Dion Nicholas has played the role since the musical opened at the Prince Edward Theatre in London in 2016.

He will now join the US tour for six weeks this summer, during which he will play his hometown Pittsburgh, before returning to the West End.

Michael James Scott, who currently plays the genie on the US tour, will take Nicholas’ place in the West End during the swap from August 17 to September 30.

This is the first time Scott has performed in London since he made his West End debut in the Broadway transfer of Hair at the Gielgud Theatre in 2010.

Scott said: “Playing this iconic role of Genie has taken me all over the world, something I never even dreamed of.

“My ‘genie brother’ Trevor Dion Nicholas has raved about his time in London, so to be a part of this awesome genie swap and return to play the West End again is an enormous genie-sized gift. I just can’t wait.” Nicholas said: “My time here in the West End has been absolutely incredible so far, and I am beyond proud to call London my new home.

“Still, being presented with the chance to perform this phenomenal show as genie in Pittsburgh is something I cannot pass up. In a city so close to where I grew up, having an audience full of family and friends is another dream come true.”

Aladdin features music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, and is directed in the West End by Casey Nicholaw.

It is produced by Disney Theatrical productions.

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